Turkey fryers...

[Channelcat]

do you filter and reuse your oil? If so how do you filter?

[MT Stringer]

I did. Couldn't find any filters at Academy so I used a paint strainer (from Lowe's) that fit in my funnel. Worked pretty darn good. Cooked one turkey at Thanksgiving and another for Christmas dinner with the same oil (peanut oil). Bass Pro Shop has filters but I forgot to look for them last time I was in there...and it's 49 miles from my house over there. :(

Someone did say not to reuse the blended oil, though.
Mike

[CoolChange©©]

I did 3 turkeys at Thanksgiving and didn't need a filter. I don't know if I just got lucky, but there was just a thin layer that settled to the bottom. The rest was clear. I used peanut oil.

[Brady Bunch]

I always use peanut oil, and I reuse my oil twice b4 I dump it. I also do not strain it, there are "floaters' but the way I look at it, its flava. Ive never used my oil 3 times but dont think it would hurt. Everytime I fry a turkey I inject it with some flavor off the Tony Chat. line and MMM-MMM it always turns out perfect.

[fishinfool]

if you just pour the oil back in the container once its cooled (obviously), let it sit without disturing it and probly 90% of the "stuff" will settle out to the bottom and when ready to use again just pour out till you get to the nasty stuff. this works fine if your not reel picky. as far as frying turkeys, ive done 20-30 turkeys at a time useing the same oil, maybe just having to add a little. (i used to sell them to friends and co-workers) MIKE

[Blackgar]

Bass pro has an electirc pump with a replaceable filter. It works great for getting clean oil back in the container. I typically use my oil for at least six months ( about 10 frys), being refrigerated between uses. Also just use vegetable oil, no one is allergic to it, some people die from eating foods fried in peanut oil(anafalatic reaction) do the research.

[Castaway Kay]

Good point Blackgar... I unfortunately am one of those folks. Can't eat anything with peanuts, peanut oil, or peanut butter. I have to be really careful about eating foods that others have cooked.
So you can use vegetable oil to fry turkey? Someone told me it was dangerous because it had a much lower flashpoint then the peanut oil... Can anyone clarify for me?
What would be a safe "High temp" oil to use in replacement of the peanut oil? Would Veg. oil be the alternative? or something like Canola, or safflower?

Thanks,

Kay

[medulla762]

http://www.honestfoods.com/topricbranoi.html

I have never used the above but it appears to be a good alternative to peanut oil. I have friends that are or were in the restaurant business and they use/used it.


I also hear grape seed oil is good but it is $$$$

[Castaway Kay]

Thanks Medulla!! I'll try that!

[capt.wronghand]

academy is selling cotton seed oil 5gal,for 19.95 about 10.00 cheaper than peanut oil and works just as well in my cooking

[Blackgar]

Kay I have been frying for at least 15 years & have made every mistake that can be made. I typically do five to seven at a time. Everytime that I use a new pot I always end up overflowing it & have never had a fire. What ever you do don't use canola, it gives the end product a rancid flavor. It may be better for you but it sure doesn't taste it. I have also found that just regular vegetable oil doesn't leave near as much oil in the meat as peanut oil, it's just plain old juicy. In a pinch I even used hog lard, boy that was interesting to clean up, but it sure did a good job. If I can help you with any advise feel free to mail me anytime Blackgar

[waterdog]

The way I clean my peanut oil after frying anything is to slice up potatoes (or french fries)and fry until done. Then strain oil through cheese cloth when cool and store until next time.

[tboltmike]

I would like to hear from you that have tried CSO. I have never tried it and was curious if it affected the taste and what are the health affects of it.

Thanks,

[Crossroads]

Originally back in the dark ages, all margarine was made from cotton seed oil and tasted OK. Now margarine is made from all sorts of things which is why I only use butter. As for frying, I've never seen anyone use cotton seed oil but I would bet it works well. I've been using both peanut oil and vegetable oil depending on how I felt at the time and for the price difference I think vegetable oil is the way to go and just discard it versus saving. The easiest way I've found to determine how much oil to use in a new pot is simply put the raw bird in the pot and add water until the water level is where you want the oil level to be, then remove bird from water and mark the water level, you now know how much oil to use. Empty water and dry pot before putting in oil.